Mercedes E-Class Estate

Mercedes has enjoyed domination of the large executive estate class at various times, but today buyers are spoilt for choice, with rivals like the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring and Volvo V90 all vying for a spot on your driveway.

Just like the Mercedes E-Class saloon, the Estate aims to win you over with its smooth and comfortable ride and attractive interior. Unlike the saloon – which we’ve reviewed separately – the Estate can carry a wardrobe in the boot, or whisk its owners, dogs and a roof-load of bikes on holiday across Europe.

Since its arrival, the E-Class range has been bolstered with a few more engines, and buyers can even choose 4MATIC four-wheel drive, making it even more versatile. If you plan on tackling the odd track or grassy field, it might even be worth looking at the Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain, with higher ground clearance, as it can make the perfect alternative to an SUV.

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Mercedes’ styling department is on something of a roll at the moment, successfully attracting younger buyers to models with the three-pointed star and giving its image a real overhaul. This even extends to the conservative E-Class, which now looks far more dynamic than its boxy predecessors, even if it’s not quite as sporty as the smaller Mercedes C-Class Estate or Jaguar XF Sportbrake.

Using the Mercedes S-Class as an inspiration for the interior has also been a good move. Not only are materials first class, the E-Class has character too, with design touches you only get in a Mercedes adding to its special feeling. Interior space for passengers certainly isn’t lacking either, with a bigger boot than you’ll find in the Volvo V90, that’s also usefully shaped, has a much larger opening than the saloon and a flat loading floor.

Since launch, the 2.0-litre diesel E220d diesel has been joined by a less powerful – and less expensive – entry-level E200d. The E220d also offers the option of 4MATIC four-wheel drive, which adds extra grip in adverse driving conditions at the cost of a marked reduction in fuel economy. The 3.0-litre V6 E400d diesel model provides extra power and smoothness, while those after even more speed can go for the high-performance four-wheel-drive Mercedes-AMG E53 petrol model or the extremely high-performance AMG E63 model, which we've reviewed separately.

All models are very well equipped, with SE boasting climate control, Bluetooth, sat nav and leather upholstery, as well as handy features such as keyless-go, parking sensors front and rear, Parktronic and a powered tailgate to help you make the most of that vast luggage area.

The E-Class estate in SE trim looks more understated than the more expensive AMG Line version, which combines the equipment of the SE with a deeper spoiler, side skirts and chunky 19-inch alloy wheels, although we found these make the car a little more unsettled on harsh surfaces than the smaller wheels of the SE. Mercedes is aiming the AMG Line at driving enthusiasts and has included a seat comfort package for extra body support during spirited cornering.

The latest E-Class Estate builds on the proven talents of its predecessors, but adds greater enjoyment. When it comes to outright back-road fun, the Mercedes does lag behind the BMW 5 Series Touring, but makes amends for that with exceptional quietness and smoothness.